Why Kemp wants to see AFB start from the bench

As the Sharks continue to build their case towards another top-four finish, Denan Kemp believes the side should look at starting star prop Addin Fonua-Blake from the bench.

Under Craig Fitzgibbon, Cronulla has been a consistent finals contender since taking over in 2022, and this season has proven to be no different.

Similar to last season, the Sharks have found form after a bye during the middle third of the season, having won three straight since their final bye of the year.

These include victories against fellow finals-contending teams in the Knights on Friday night and their record-breaking win against the Dolphins last week.

Having entered the top four following their 20-18 win over Newcastle, the 2016 Premiership halfback for Cronulla, Chad Townsend, noted their strong tackle completion rate alongside their quality around the park has helped them once again contend.

“The thing that the Sharks are doing really well at the moment is they complete high,” Townsend explained on SEN’s Saturday League Kick Off.

“They've got a really good kicking game (with) Braydon Trindall, and I really think Braydon Trindall is playing the best football of his career so far, and you form that combination with Nico (Hynes).

“Then they've got opportunities on the edges. (Sione) Katoa can score a try. Will Kennedy is in really good form, obviously been rewarded with a one-year extension as well.

“Addin Fonua-Blake, I think, has found some form after a slow start by his standards to the year."

Whilst the Sharks are now finding form, Kemp believes they could better utilise Fonua-Blake within the side.

Whilst the newly minted NSW representative has started in all but one of his 15 appearances this season, the former Warriors and Broncos winger believes the prop could be better served starting on the bench to provide the club with a fresh injection in the forward pack later on in the match.

“I actually would like to see him start off the bench,” Kemp explained.

“I don't know if I would stay with it. He was great off the bench (against the Dolphins), and then obviously you go to Origin 3, he was great.

“And I just wonder with Addin Fonua-Blake, he is so good in attack, why make him make all the tackles (in) the first 20 minutes?

“I almost say it's a waste. It's almost like asking a fullback that's a really good ballplayer to be like Dylan Edwards.

“I wonder whether the Sharks have gotten to a point now with their forward pack where they've got a good enough forward pack to start for the first 20 minutes and then you bring him on, you go, ‘Mate, before halftime, go as hard as you can, you get your break at halftime’.

“Maybe we start you again after halftime, or vice versa, maybe we give you another 10-minute break there, and then we finish the game 20 minutes hard.”

The Sharks will head to Brookvale Oval to take on the Sea Eagles next Sunday for their Round 21 clash.

Kick-off takes place at 4:05pm AEST.